Power Struggle After Mao Zedong’s Death (1976–1978)
Leadership Vacuum and Rise of Hua Guofeng
- Mao’s death in September 1976 created immediate uncertainty about who would lead the Communist Party and the future direction of China.
- The CCP promoted Hua Guofeng as Mao’s official successor, supported by the phrase “With you in charge, I am at ease,” which implied Mao’s personal approval.
- Hua tried to balance continuity with Maoist ideology while recognizing the need for limited stabilization after the Cultural Revolution.
- He relied heavily on the military, the security services and Party conservatives who feared a rapid change in policy after Mao’s death.
- Hua used Mao’s legacy to justify his authority, presenting himself as the protector of Maoist ideals.
- However, many Party members doubted Hua’s political strength and viewed him as lacking the long-term vision necessary for China’s recovery.
Defeat of the Gang of Four
- The death of Mao removed the Gang of Four’s protection, leading to a rapid confrontation between radicals and moderates.
- The Gang of Four, led by Jiang Qing, attempted to maintain control over propaganda and ideological work.
- Many Party members blamed the Cultural Revolution’s excesses on the Gang, not Mao himself.
- The PLA leadership opposed the Gang because of the chaos they had caused in the 1970s.
- A power struggle intensified between Hua Guofeng’s supporters and radical groups trying to seize control after Mao’s death.
- The need to restore order and prevent a radical resurgence united moderates and military leaders.
Case study
Arrest of the Gang of Four (October 1976)
Reasons for the Arrest
- Hua Guofeng, along with top military leaders, concluded that the Gang threatened national stability.
- The Gang attempted to influence cultural institutions and Party propaganda immediately after Mao’s death.
- Their radical ideology clashed with the growing demand for economic recovery and political calm.
- Military units loyal to Hua surrounded and detained the Gang in a coordinated action.
- The arrests were justified by accusing the Gang of plotting to seize power illegally.
Consequences and Political Impact
- The removal of the Gang allowed moderates to strengthen Party discipline and rebuild government institutions.
- The Cultural Revolution was condemned publicly, beginning a shift away from radical Maoism.
- China entered a period of consensus that stability and economic development were now the priorities.
- The arrests increased Hua Guofeng’s authority, but only temporarily.
- The political vacuum then cleared the path for Deng Xiaoping’s re-emergence.
Definition
Factionalism
Rival groups within the Party competing for power.
Re-Emergence of Deng Xiaoping and Defeat of Hua Guofeng
- Deng Xiaoping reclaimed influence with broad Party support, replacing Hua and setting China toward reform.
- Deng returned to leadership positions in 1977 with support from Party veterans and military officials.
- Unlike Hua, Deng promoted pragmatism, arguing that China needed economic modernization rather than ideological loyalty.
- Deng challenged the Two Whatevers by insisting on the principle “seeking truth from facts” to justify reforms.
- His growing popularity led to the gradual weakening of Hua’s authority in the Political Bureau.
- By 1978, Deng effectively controlled policy direction, marking the end of Hua’s dominance.
Common Mistake
- Treating Hua Guofeng as a powerful long-term leader rather than a short-term transitional figure.
- Overlooking the political importance of the Gang of Four’s arrest and its role in ending the Cultural Revolution.
- Assuming Deng immediately replaced Hua, instead of understanding the gradual political shift from 1977 to 1978.
Exam technique
- Use clear chronology: Mao’s death → Hua’s Two Whatevers → Gang of Four arrest → Deng’s return → Third Plenum.
- Emphasize differences between Hua’s ideological continuity and Deng’s pragmatic reform agenda.
- Include case studies such as the arrest of the Gang of Four and the Third Plenum for depth.
Theory of Knowledge
- How do different groups define legitimate power after the death of a dominant leader?
- Can political authority survive without practical success or public support?
- How does historical memory shape which leaders are blamed for past failures?
Self review
- Assess the reasons for the defeat of the Gang of Four after Mao’s death.
- Examine the rise of Deng Xiaoping in the years 1976 to 1978.
- To what extent did Hua Guofeng successfully maintain political control after Mao’s death?
